Thematic Overview of the Exhibition

The Lorraine Beitler Collection of the Dreyfus Affair
Thematic Overview of Exhibitions
EXHIBITIONS FROM THE COLLECTION have been developed in the belief that the Dreyfus Affair is not an isolated, historical
event. The “Affair” raises issues of global significance and contemporary importance. Seen across four continents, translated into five
languages, exhibitions from the Collection are adaptable to a variety of contexts. This synopsis introduces some of the major themes in
the Lorraine Beitler Collection of the Dreyfus Affair.
I. INTRODUCTION
No case has ever excited such universal and profound interest . . . every country has followed with intense interest . .
. every stage of this trial.
James B. Eustis, American Ambassador to France [1899]
Vera de Noie’s Grand Scenic Production: “Devil’s Island.”
Chicago, n.d. [ca 1897-1903], Lithograph.
II. THE LEGACY
Hommage à Alfred Dreyfus (1859-1935)
Monumental plaque, installed at the Ecole Militaire, Paris, 1998. “In this place, on July 21, 1906, Alfred
Dreyfus was raised as a Knight of the Legion of Honor.”
Facsimile photograph, Gift of the French Ministry of Defense.
III. TURBULENT TIMES: FRANCE IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
France faces bitter internal antagonism at the end of the nineteenth century. Nationalist politics, racist
discourse, and rabble-rousing tactics produce a climate of prejudice which explodes during the Dreyfus
Affair.
Adolphe Willette. Elections législatives du septembre 1889.
Lithograph.
IV. THE INCIDENT: A CASE OF ESPIONAGE
September 1894. French Intelligence intercepts a treasonous document. Captain Dreyfus of artillery
is summarily arrested. The Ministry of War produces a “secret file” to incriminate Dreyfus, who is
sentenced to military degradation and life imprisonment on Devil’s Island.
Henri Mayer. “Le Capitaine Dreyfus devant le conseil de guerre.”
Petit Journal, December 23, 1894.
V. CAPTAIN ALFRED DREYFUS (1859-1935)
From childhood, Dreyfus aspired to a military career that would help restore French honor after the defeat
by Germany in 1870. The accusation came as a lightning bolt, but Dreyfus never loses faith in his country,
its judicial system, nor in the honor of the Army. At the exoneration in 1906, amidst enthusiastic cries of,
“Long live Dreyfus,” Dreyfus responds, “No! Long live France!”
E. Claes. Honneur au héros martyr: Le Capitaine Alfred Dreyfus
Brussels, Lithograph.
VI. MADAME LUCIE DREYFUS (1869-1945)
Throughout the years of imprisonment, Madame Dreyfus, acutely aware of her husband’s physical and
emotional suffering, writes constantly, addressing many appeals to the French authorities and even to the
Pope. Her dignity and courage evoke worldwide admiration for, “the exemplar of a wife and mother.”
Paul Renouard. “Madame Alfred Dreyfus et ses enfants dans leur salon de la rue de Chateaudun.”
Vie illustrée, May 1899.
VII. LIEUTENANT COLONEL GEORGES PICQUART (1854-1914)
In 1895, Picquart, Head of Intelligence and one of the French Army’s best young officers,
uncovers the false evidence used to incriminate Dreyfus. Demands for Picquart’s silence meet
with a courageous commitment to truth. In 1906, Picquart is exonerated and serves as Minister
of War under President Clemenceau.
L. Sabattier. “Le Procès Emile Zola.—Le Lieutenant- Colonel Picquart.”
L’Illustration, February 19, 1898.
VIII. SARAH BERNHARDT (1844-1923)
Beloved of audiences around the world, the “Divine Sarah,” abhorred tyranny and injustice. Her
Dreyfusard commitment makes her a target, but she remains steadfast. At the critical moment in January
1898, when Zola rises to protest the injustice, Bernhardt visits the great author to publicly offer her
support.
Sarah Bernhardt.
Postcard, postmark Berlin, 1902.
IX. SENATOR AUGUSTE SCHEURER-KESTNER (1833-1899)
Scheurer-Kestner believed passionately in the Republic and in social justice. Through personal
investigation he confirms that Dreyfus is innocent. In February 1898, during the trial of Zola, he joins with
Senator Trarieux to found the League of the Rights of Man—to safeguard individual rights, the liberty of
citizens, and equality before the law.
Eug. Pirou. Auguste Scheurer-Kestner.
Le Monde illustré, November 5, 1897.
X. SÉVERINE (1855-1929)
Séverine was an editor of La Fronde, the first daily in France entirely edited by women. A popular
journalist and author, Séverine becomes an ardent symbol of justice and truth, an important voice in the
dreyfusard cause, and a founder member of the League of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
Gerschel. Séverine (pseud. Caroline Rémy).
Les Défenseurs de la justice: Affaire Dreyfus, 150 portraits, Paris: Stock, 1899.
XI. EMILE ZOLA (1840-1902)
In the press and in his novels, Zola addresses the social problems of his time. Alerted to Dreyfus’
innocence, he publicly denounces official corruption. His article, “J’Accuse” galvanizes international
attention and the struggle within France which leads to the revision of Dreyfus’ conviction.
Emile Zola. “J’Accuse...! Lettre au président de la république, par Emile Zola.”
L’Aurore, January 13, 1898.
XII. THE POWER OF PEN, PRINT, AND PRESS
The Affair appears in songs, books, paintings, sculpture, the decorative arts, as well as in photography and
film. Countless articles, cartoons, and photographs compete for public opinion in support (Dreyfusard) or
against (Anti-Dreyfusard). The press is paramount in shaping public opinion.
“J’accuse,” postcard.
XIII. INTERNATIONAL ECHOES
“J’Accuse” sparks activism throughout the world. A world boycott threatens the Universal Exhibition
scheduled to open in Paris during 1900. Extensive press coverage and the various testimonies of support
demonstrate the power of international solidarity in the cause of human rights.
Gerschel. Foreign Correspondents at Rennes.
From Louis Rogès, L’Affaire Dreyfus: cinq semaines à Rennes, Juven, 1899.
XIV. REVISION AT RENNES
In 1899, the verdict of the first court-martial is declared void; a second court-martial is ordered.
Dreyfus makes the long voyage back across the Atlantic. The revised verdict, “guilty, with extenuating
circumstances” is received with worldwide horror and scorn. Dreyfus accepts a presidential pardon, on
the proviso that he will continue efforts to prove his innocence.
“Dreyfus is Convicted.
Five French Army Officers Condemn an Innocent Man to Satisfy the Vanity of a Few Generals.”
Sunday Inter Ocean (Chicago), September 10, 1899.
XV. EXONERATION: HONOR REGAINED
Further evidence of Dreyfus’ innocence is uncovered. In July 1906, Dreyfus is reappointed to the Army
and to the Legion of Honor. The truth had taken twelve years to establish. In August 1914, Dreyfus and
his son Pierre resume active service for France during the Great War. To his death in 1935, Alfred Dreyfus
remains without bitterness for his ordeal:
In reflecting on my trials,” Dreyfus wrote, “I consoled myself that the iniquity which I had so prodigiously suffered
might serve the cause of humanity . . . and aid in the development of sentiments of social solidarity.
“General Gillain decorating Major Dreyfus.”
L’Illustration, July 28, 1906.